Archive of Our Own

The kitchen in the Pawthorne mansion was full at 7 am on a Monday Morning. The first Monday that Nekos L. Pawthorne (Male Lynx) is spending time at his new home. He was spending it having his cereal, having grown fond of the honey and nutty flakes in milk and was enjoying it immensely, even if he is up a little late after the late night arrival back in Zootopia after visiting Grandma Bonnie and Grandpa Stu. He swallows his mouthful, then looks up at his family, a little worried about them since they were just sitting there. “Are you sure you're ok Uncle Luther? Auntie Judy?” 

Luther Pawthorne (Male Wolf) was in his uniform while Judy Wilde-Hopps (Female Bunny) was in casual attire that she usually wore to work with her badge clipped to her belt, but both of them were still processing their confusion as they were nursing a coffee at the kitchen table. 

Judy gives a sigh. “I’m STILL confused. We already had Tuesday booked off for Vivian’s visit and this afternoon, but not the whole day. With Wednesday and Friday booked off for the ZCPS meetings, I was honestly expecting to be in the precinct today so we had spent some time working. The Chief NEVER does this.” They were meant to have left for work half an hour ago, but had been messaged by Chief Bogo that they had the day off and not to come in, and they didn’t know why. 

Luther nodded his head, phone in paw as he was going through his messages as if he could find the one where he asked for the next two days off. It didn’t exist, but he couldn’t figure out WHY it was happening and it was a puzzle he was trying to solve.

Nekos tilts his head. “Uncle Nick didn’t seem worried though?” Nick Wilde-Hopps (Male Fox) had turned back to the stairs and declared he was heading back to bed to take advantage of this after a few moments of numb confusion. “How about you Uncle Paw?” 

Pawbert Pawthorne (Male Lynx) was also sitting there, his own expression perplexed at the message about his intake for the day being rescheduled and a day off granted to him. “Sorrel is taking over my afternoon intake and rescheduling the others so I have this whole day off, as well as tomorrow. So I’m confused as well. Doctor Fuzzby had also rescheduled today’s meeting for Saturday. None of which we planned, or initiated.” 

Nekos didn’t say anything, but he was rather glad. At the hospital where he was recovering, the odd visit was nice. He wished they visited more, but they had their own lives to live so he didn’t want to be much of a bother to them. The doctors and nurses wandered around enough that he wasn’t too bored, and the other cubs were nice to talk to as well when he was allowed to join the common area on the 8th day after his ribs had recovered enough to do some short walks, so he had plenty of things to do. 

But he was home now (he still gets giddy at that knowledge) and was virtually fully recovered as long as he didn’t decide to go running up and down the stairs with his braced leg. But this also means that there will be a time soon when they will ALL be at work. He was used to being alone back in Icebrek, but it would be the first time he would be alone after being adopted and he wasn’t sure what he would be doing with himself. 

At least for this week, they had been exchanging shifts and booking time off so there was someone at home every day. Pawbert had the morning off while Nick and Judy had the afternoon, as well as Tuesday. The Pack had Wednesday and Friday off for the ZCPS appointments, while Thursday and Sunday was the day off for the pack regardless and Pawbert didn’t work on Saturdays either. But after this week, they would be at work for most weekdays anyway, so he would be on his own. 

It made him a little nervous. 

Then Nick comes running down, panicked. “WE HAVE AN EMERGENCY!" At the alarmed and questioning look everyone gave, he continues. “Jake and Amy are coming to visit at 11 to MEET their new nephew on behalf of the Nine-Nine! What do I say! WHAT DO I DO!” 

Judy gives a sigh of relief, leaping onto the opportunity for something to do as she gets up. “Ok, first thing first. Let’s get into something more comfortable. Then we can figure out how to explain and apologise for not saying anything sooner. We’ve had practice with my parents, it should be fine. And it’ll be a good trial for Vivian tomorrow.” 

Pawbert gives a soft smile, before his phone buzzes and rings. He looks down, and perks up, before answering. “Gary!” Nick and Judy pause at the exit to the kitchen at that, their ears perked up at the call. “How are… You’re coming to visit? With Nibbles? … Oh, yeah, sure. I’m sure he’ll be happy to see you… That works. See you at 9.” He hangs up, looking down, a strange expression on his muzzle. “Gary and Nibbles are on their way. Should be here around 9.” 

Luther had frozen from where he was making drinks, mind connecting two new data points with their sudden new free day, and finally solved the puzzle. “This was planned.” 

A suspicious look at the Wolf, then contemplative before another buzz from Pawbert’s phone. Nekos scoops some more cereal into his mouth, chewing as he watches everyone react and is more than a little confused, but none of it sounded bad so he wasn’t sure if he should be worried or not. “Hey Lane. You’re coming as well? With Mika and Brim. 10 huh. That is, suspiciously specific and spaced out.” Pawbert sighs, sagging. “Of course he did. See you then.” He hangs up. “Clawhauser’s been planning since Saturday after Maris’s post.” 

Nick and Judy both stare, Judy uttering out a stunned “HOW did he get Bogo to sign off on it?” 

A buzz from Nick and Judy’s phone and they both answer it. Nick giving a strained “Clawhauser. How did you… How… 12… See you then.” He looks up. “Clawhauser’s going to be visiting around 12. He’s going to be bringing lunch.” Hanging up, he looks at Judy who had hung up her phone and was staring at the wall. “Carrots?” 

She turns to the pack. “Fru Fru called. She’s going to be godmother to our kit. Non negotiable.” 

Nick opens his mouth and raises a finger, pauses, then lowers his finger and tentatively asks “So, no visit?” 

She shakes her head numbly. “Not today. But we have a request to visit her and Judith at our earliest convenience. It didn’t sound optional.” 

Pawbert’s and Luther’s phone then start to buzz with a call, and with a defeated sigh, they answer. “Maya? You’re coming too? And the group? Tomorrow. Ok, we can do that.” 

Luther had answered his phone with trepidation. “Crispin? Tomorrow? Understood.” 

They hang up, as Nick looks up. “I’m going to add this to the Charter. Any more adoptions, we inform mammals. ASAP.” The chorus of agreement comes from everyone as Nekos scoops up the last of his cereal to eat. He wasn’t sure what was going on, but it sounded like there would be a lot of visitors today. And tomorrow based on some more phone calls occurring. 

A while later, and it was approaching 9. The pack had changed to casual clothes and there were snacks and drinks set out on the table. The Charter had been updated to have a new entry underneath the Wilde Amendment, “Cub Amendment. New cubs to the pack NEED to be announced to everyone ASAP!” 

Judy had been informed by Clawhauser that he facilitated the meeting of their new Kit with all their friends since they apparently FORGOT to let everyone know. They have been asked to stagger the visits since he wasn’t sure if Nekos was still shy around crowds or not, and the pack had a moment of being thankful for that as it meant that the disappointment would be staggered rather than overwhelmingly at once. The doorbell echoes, where Luther confirms who has arrived and lets them in, before leaving with the pack to have a before-meeting chat with them. 

Nekos was a bit nervous at meeting so many mammals, but he would make the effort. 

He knows that Lane and Mika were coming at 10 with someone called Brim, as was Clawhauser at 12 who will be bringing some lunch for them. 

He didn’t know who Gary, Nibbles, Jake and Amy were, but they sounded important to his Uncles and Aunt, so he wanted to be good for them. Gary and Nibbles were arriving now while Amy and Jake were at 11. So he takes a deep breath, wanting to make a good first impression.

He still fidgets nervously on the settee as Luther comes back in and settles next to Nekos. Then a comforting paw on his head, which serves as a great distraction from his nervousness as Nekos leans into the petting. 

A few raised voices echo, one sounding drastically more energetic and the other wet, before Nick, Judy and Pawbert come in with a Blue Pit Viper and Beaver. The Snake looked like he was vibrating, wanting to dart closer but was holding himself back, while Pawbert introduces them. “Nekos, this is Gary De’Snake, one of my best friends, and Nibbles Maplestick. Gary, Nibbles, this is Nekos Pawthorne. He’s our son.” 

Nekos stares at the reptile, having not seen a reptile before (maybe there was one when he was at the ZSC last month? Or when walking around that day too?), before shyly waving hello. “Hello Mister Gary. Miss Nibbles” 

The snake slithers closer, stopping near the settee and gives a beaming smile, one fang missing while Nibbles stands back a bit with a grin on her muzzle as she lets Gary go first. “Hello Nekos. Do I have permission to hug please?” 

Nekos blinks, then nods his head, a brief “Sure Mister Gary”, and then Gary coils around him. 

Nekos brings his paws up to try and hug the Snake, enjoying how he felt around him, tight but not too tight. Just pressure and a cool warmth. He hopes he was hugging him right, he didn’t know how to hug a snake. After a few minutes, Gary loosens up a bit to look at him in the eyes, tears in his golden eyes and positively beaming. “You can call me Uncle Gary if you like.” 

Nekos blushes, and nods shyly. “Ok Uncle Gary.” 

He got another hug, before Gary uncoils from him and slithers onto the settee next to him, beaming at Pawbert with wet eyes. “I’m so happy that you have a son Pawbert. My first friend, having his first son.” 

Pawbert gives a soft smile in return, which was enough permission for Nibbles to dart forwards and introduce herself. “And I’m your Aunt Nibbles! Never would have thought Paw here would have a kit.” She takes hold of his paw and vigorously shakes it. “We have so much to catch up on! Have you listened to my Podcasts yet? Scales and Tales of the Weird. Super popular.” 

Nekos blinks, then goes thoughtful. “I don’t think I have Auntie Nibbles?” 

Nibbles seems to brighten, then has her phone out to show him a show as Gary adds his own comments. “You must come visit my family in Reptile Ravine. Everyone there is so nice. We’ve mostly finished repairing the damage from Icener last year but everything is getting better. The Tortoises are back, the Iguanas. It’s all returning back to normal.” Gary looks at Pawbert, eyes wet and a broad smile on his face. “We also made sure to have safety routes all over. They are all separate, but are scattered everywhere encase something like Icener happens again. We will not let something like that catch us out again.” 

Pawbert gives a smile. “We shall succeed.”

Gary beams back. “We WILL succeed!”

They spent over half an hour chatting and getting to know each other as Nibbles podcast was on in the background. Nekos asked several questions about Reptiles since he hasn’t read up on them yet, but had also asked Nibbles about how she does a podcast. The things she explained made him think about the tutorials he used to do online to learn something and figured that was how they did all the cuts and zooms. 

But all too soon, they started to get ready to leave after a ping on a phone, saying that it was great to see him and that they hope to see him again soon. They exchanged numbers, got several pictures, then a final hug from both Gary and Nibbles, as well as subscribing to her podcast and then Pawbert took them out into the hall for another private conversation with Nick and Judy as Nekos recovers. 

Luther pats his shoulder. “How are you feeling?” 

Nekos looks up at Luther. “I liked Uncle Gary and Auntie Nibbles, Uncle Luther. They were really nice and warm. I didn’t know you all knew a reptile.” 

Luther nods. “Gary De’Snake was instrumental in helping reopen Reptile Ravine. Maybe we’ll visit at some point. I’m sure he’ll love to show you around.” 

Nekos gives a smile as the rest of the Pack return, slumping onto the seats as Judy gives a “Next time we adopt a cub, we tell everyone.” Nekos blinks at Pawbert, Nick and Judy laying on the settee, looking exhausted. 

Luther gives a wry smile. “Noted, but it IS on the Charter already. And it’s almost 10 and your friends will be here soon Paw.” 

Pawbert gives a groan. “I haven't recovered from Gary LOOKING at me disappointed. How am I going to survive Lane, Brim AND Mika doing the same?” 

Nick slouches forwards. “I feel ya Pawbert. Jake and Amy will be here as well at 11 and I can FEEL his disappointment, right now.” He then perks up. “Hey, Nekos. When Jake gets here, be SUPER cute for him. Maybe that would distract him?” 

Nekos blinks, then tilts his head, one ear perked in confusion as he blinked owlishly. “Super, cute?” 

Nick points at him. “Like that! That’s perfect!”

The doorbell echoes again, and Pawbert stands up to greet his friends and give them a brief overview of things. And after a few minutes and voices, 3 more mammals enter. Two of which were familiar and the unfamiliar mouse on the Cheetah’s shoulder, but Nekos still perks up. “Mika! Lane!” 

Not one to be outdone, the Cheetah calls out a loud “Nekos!” 

Nekos blinks. “Um… Y, Yes?” 

The Cheetah blinks, then sighs and turns to Pawbert. “You haven’t taught your SON to do the name shouting thing?” 

Nick chuckles next to him as Pawbert blinks as well. “Wait, that’s a thing?” 

The mouse sighs, then shifts so he is standing tall on the Cheetah’s shoulder. “I’m Brim. You may call me Brim.” 

Nekos blinks at the blunt statement, but still nods as it was helpful and informative. “Hello Brim.” 

The mouse gives a nod in approval, then grabs onto Lane‘s ear as the Cheetah marches forwards, eyes already wet. “I’m upgrading my name. I’m now Uncle Lane! Can I hug?” 

The mouse heaves a sigh, but Nekos flushes. “Um, ok, Uncle Lane?” 

And then he had a crying Cheetah kneeling down to hug him. He looked up at Brim who had rolled his eyes, but was patting his friend's ear whilst also using it to stabilise his footing from the sobbing Cheetah. Nekos does his best to replicate what his Uncles and Aunt, and Grandpa and Grandma, and Nana and Pop does when he is crying, and gives him a gentle squeeze. 

Mika appears in his periphery, to the side as she looks at the crying Cheetah and concerned Lynx cub, and gives a grin. “Too much love?” 

Lane bursts out a “YES! Pawbert has a SON! I’m an UNCLE now!” Pawbert hands a tissue to Brim who wrestles it onto Lane’s face. 

Mika shakes her head, and takes over the greetings now. “This may take a bit. But it’s nice to see you again, Nekos. Your painting is still at the studio if you want it, and the invitation to come try again is always open.” 

Nekos gives a smile at Mika. “Really?” 

She gives a nod, eyes amused as the Cheetah starts to calm down from his sobbing, at least enough to back up from his hug to hold his paws on Nekos’s shoulders, a bright smile on his teary face. “Look at you! You look so much happier now.” 

Nekos blinks, then tilts his head. “I am though?” 

Lane gives a sniffle. “You are. But you feel more there too. More, built. Not being crushed by things.” 

Nekos blinks and tilts his head in thought. Brim tilts his head as well, examining the cub and piecing together comments Lane and Mika had mentioned during their visits to the Watering Hole and comes to a conclusion. “You do appear more fed. I was told you were heavily malnourished.” 

Nekos gives a soft oh, before nodding and giving a smile with “I’m eating a lot more. I even have a diet plan the dietician made for me to help me acclimate to more foods. Uncle Paw makes super yummy stews with the appropriate amount of calories. And I’m eating more each time. I can almost finish a bowl of stew now.” 

Lane gives another sniff, but moves to sit next to the Lynx Cub as Mika hops up to join them. “So, how are you finding life here? Y’know, ignoring the kit-napping.” 

Nekos perks up. “It’s been great! I’m eating a lot more, oh wait, you already know that. Um, I have a room too. And a phone! I still can’t believe I’m allowed a phone. I also have a colouring book that someone got me while I was away, so I’m colouring in some things. I'm not really that good at it, but it’s fun.” That has Mika smile brightly. “Oh! I’ve also been reading up on other species since I was meant to learn that if I went to school. I know my Case worker is sorting things out for me to take a placement test on Wednesday so they’ll know which grade to put me in for school.” 

Lane stares at Pawbert. “I want a pic of my NEPHEW in his school uniform, Pawbert!” 

Pawbert gives a chuckle. “I’ll add you to the list of animals to send it too. Mika? Brim?” The Red Panda and Mouse shrug. “We won’t be opposed.”

Half an hour later, he was busy laughing at something Lane had said when Lane’s phone went off. Looking at it, he gives a sigh. “Sorry, I’m going to be starting my shift in an hour.” He looks at Pawbert. “Don’t suppose I can convince you to take over my shift, best buddy of mine?” 

Pawbert raises an eyebrow, but grins. “I take it you didn’t book the day off?” Lane sticks his tongue out but still gets up. 

Brim nods his head at Nekos. “It was good seeing you, Nekos.” 

Lane then reaches down to hug him again. “I’ll see you again soon!” 

After he stands, Mika steps over and pats his shoulder. “Just let Pawbert know if you want to come and do some painting. I’m always available to do it with.” 

Nekos gives a nod. “I will. Thank you Mika. See you soon Brim, Uncle Lane.” The three visitors headed to the hallway, Lane sobbing again as Pawbert escorted them out for a brief conversation in the hallway. 

Nekos watches as Nick was busy psyching himself up in preparation for the disappointment being thrown at him, Judy patting his back in commiseration. Luther then sits next to him, so Nekos leans against the bigger Wolf. The Wolf pauses for a moment, then brings his arm around Nekos’s shoulder to hold him against his side. When Pawbert comes back in, he pauses at the sight, and pulls out his phone to take a picture before anyone notices. 

With that done, he heads on over to sit next to his husband and leans against him as well, a paw going around his waist so the Wolf was now bracketed by both Lynx’s. “I’m so glad that’s it for my side. Good luck Nick.” 

Nick stares at Pawbert, then turns to his wife. “I’m doomed, aren’t I?” He then turns to Nekos, eyes bright at an idea to help lessen the blow of disappointment from his Chaos Bro. “IDEA! Tell Jake that I’ve talked a lot about him!” 

Nekos frowns. “But you haven’t?” 

Nick nods as Pawbert gives a grimace, as if realising he could have asked the same thing and now kicking himself for not asking. “Yeah, but pretend that I have!” 

Nekos narrows his eyes at Nick’s hopeful grin. “But that would be a LIE.” 

Pawbert looks at Nick who’s grin was faltering at that, and gives his own grin, refusing to give his pack-brother an easy out after having done so himself. “Yeah Nick. Don’t tell our son to lie for you.” 

Nick’s expression twists to one of lament that he would be getting the full disappointment sent to him as he whines out. “But he’s going to be disappointed!” 

The ring of the doorbell answers that, which is where Nick and Judy hop up to answer the door this time. Nekos shifts as he leans against his Wolven uncle. “Maybe I should have asked what Mister Jake and Miss Amy are like?” 

Luther and Pawbert pause, then look at one another. “Chaos and Order?” 

Pawbert gives a chuckle. “Think of Nick and Judy. That’s a pretty good idea on what they’re like.” 

Nekos tilts his head. “That doesn’t sound too bad?” 

Pawbert gives a snort, even as the sounds of Jake and Nick’s voices got louder. “Just wait.” Which was the point where the chaos came into the room. 

A Male and Female Coyote come around the corner with Nick and Judy, before the male Coyote rushes over to stand near Nekos, Pawbert and Luther. “I’m your Uncle Jake! Wait! No, WAIT!” He turns to Pawbert and puts his paws on his shoulders, then utters in a most serious voice. “Does he have a Godfather yet!?” 

Pawbert blinks. “Um… N-No…” 

That had Jake turn back to Nekos, pointing dramatically. “I’m your GODFATHER!” 

Nekos blinks owlishly. “Oh. Um. Ok, Godfather Jake?” 

Luther sighs. “You can call him Uncle.” 

Amy also gives a sigh at her husband’s excitement as he turns to sob at Nick about his new Godson, paws to the Foxes shoulder as he shakes him. “Don’t mind my husband. He’s been emotional since the posts went up, then again when Clawhauser did a group chat with everyone to co-ordinate this, with a surprising amount of competency.” She then smiles. “I’m Amy. You can call me Auntie, or Godmother. I don’t mind which.” 

Nekos blinks, but confused about which to use. “Umm…” 

Amy sighs as Jake continues sobbing and shaking Nick about his new Godson, but has an idea on why he was so confused. “Auntie will do.” 

Nekos nods. “Right. Um, sorry Auntie Amy. It’s nice to see you.” 

And because Jake was still too busy sobbing and shaking Nick about being a Godfather, she reaches over to hug him. Nekos leans closer to enjoy the hug, and after a moment they part. Jake stares, no longer sobbing but staring wide-eyed at his wife, who turns to him and smirks. “First hug.” 

That resulted in Jake now flinging his arms around his Godson, sobbing again and crying out a “Not FAIR! I was DISTRACTED by emotions!” 

Nekos looks up at the Coyote. “Sorry?” 

Jake gives a sniffle as he hugs Nekos. “I deserve EXTRA cuddles for this as an apology!” 

Nekos looks up, a little perplexed but nodding and wraps his arms around the Coyote’s side. “Ok Uncle Jake.”

What followed for the next 30 minutes was pictures being taken, pictures being shown, then a dramatic retelling of a heist that had Nekos staring wide eyed at the story. How Uncle Jake had used multiple fake moustaches and disguises to access a highly secure building, avoiding a camera sweep from an air vent, before eventually, the cheese gambit that was used to retrieve the prize but leaving it behind because it was happy at its home. When Nekos had asked what the prize was, utterly transfixed at the story, the Coyote pointed to the trophy that was on the fireplace mantel, the engraving “ULTIMATE HEIST CHAMPION/GENIUS” on it. Eventually though, a ping on Amy’s phone has her stand and announce that they need to get ready to go. 

Jake stands up, and asks if they could get a fountain send-off from Luther, who deadpans a “It doesn’t work. So no.” 

Nekos had tilted his head as Jake pouted, before the Coyote turned to Nick and then they did a run that looked stuttered and stilted, approaching the other slowly that had Nekos confused, before the two embraced. 

He looks at Pawbert and asks if they are tired or something, who just chuckles and puts a paw on his head. As he leans against it, Pawbert comments “It’s just a thing they do as best friends.” Then the Fox and Coyote do an elaborate paw shake that Nekos gets lost at after the second slap and instead looks at Judy and Amy who had simply hugged instead of whatever Jake and Nick was doing, and then a final farewell before the 4 went to the door to do a last-minute conversation and farewell. 

He looks up at Pawbert and Luther. “Why doesn’t the fountain work?” 

Luther pauses. “It’s been so long since it was turned on that everything would need to be replaced to make it work again. It’s just not worth it.” He pauses, then grins. “But don’t tell anyone.”

Nekos gives a soft “Oh… Ok.”

Nick and Judy come in a moment later. Judy slumps onto the settee, starting the recovery process from Amy’s disappointment at not scheduling or planning on who to contact regarding Nekos, while Nick goes to the side to get something. He then pulls out a marker, marches to the Charter and updates the Cub Amendment entry at the bottom. “Cub Amendment. New cubs to the pack NEED to be announced to everyone ASAP.” He then adds “NO EXCEPTIONS!!!!” to it, underlined, added some stars and then accurately doodled the adults of the pack with x’s in their eyes around it. 

With that updated, he marches to the settee next to his wife and drops, face down onto it. “Updated. Because I am NOT doing that again.” 

Judy, Luther and Pawbert look at the update, then each other and then nod. “Agreed.” 

A ping to Judy’s phone has her look at it. “Clawhauser’s asking what we want for lunch. Any preferences, otherwise he’s getting pizza.” 

A glance to one another, then they turn to Nekos, Nick mumbling out a “You do know what pizza is, right?” from the settee.

Nekos gives a hum, closing his eyes as he tries to remember. Failing to pull up a memory, he gets out his pawphone and Zoogles it and stares at the picture of a round baked thing with melted cheese and what appeared to be a red sauce underneath. “I think I saw a shop that had it when I was walking around Zootopia? But no, I haven’t had it before. Is it good?” 

“I’m confirming Pizza.” Judy had replied to the message in lieu of an answer.

Nick looks up, now intrigued and distracted from being hit by disappointment bombs that have been hitting the pack today. “HOW is he getting here? I actually don’t remember if he drives or not.” 

Judy pauses, going through memories and coming up with nothing. “I haven’t asked… WHY haven’t I asked yet!? This is information I SHOULD know!” 

Nekos watches with worry. “Doesn’t he drive? Every adult I’ve seen knows how to drive?” 

Nick blinks, then points at Pawbert. “Pawbert doesn’t!” 

Pawbert adds a quiet “I can drive a Motorbike!” 

Nick stares. “You can DRIVE a MOTORBIKE! Since WHEN! Why wasn’t I informed!?” 

Nekos taps a few more times on his phone, then looks up in awe at his cousin. “They only have TWO wheels!? How do you not fall over!”

The explanation on Motorbikes and Clawhauser’s driving ability carried on until half 12, as the doorbell went off. Luther goes to let Clawhauser into the grounds and then heads to the door with Judy and Nick to help with the lunch he brought as Pawbert makes a note to maybe get Nekos a bicycle at some point. 

He did mention that he hasn’t really driven in 7 years, but he did technically have a licence that he probably should get updated. Then the scent of something baked and cheesy starts to waft out and his attention was grabbed. Pawbert stands up, so Nekos crawls off the settee and follows him into the dining room where 8 small boxes and 7 larger ones were on the table, plates and napkins being placed around for use. 

The Cheetah turns around, and gives a bright grin. “Nekos!” And then he was scooped up into a hug that was ALL enthusiasm. He wrapped his paws around the Cheetah’s neck, enjoying the soft hug and the slight swaying the Cheetah was doing. “How was everyone? I’m so sorry if it’s too many, I tried to keep it to around half a dozen and made sure it was all spaced out, but some HAD to come as groups and I felt guilty about trying to separate them and, well, best friends HAD to come first.” 

Nekos gives a shy smile. “It was nice Uncle Clawhauser. A lot of animals, but everyone was so nice and warm.” The pack exchanges looks over the pair, all agreeing on not telling him about the disappointed expressions and the quiet telling off as each group were leaving for not letting others know. “Um, thank you for doing this. I didn’t know everyone knew so many animals.” 

Clawhauser gives a bright smile. “I’m sure when you go to school, you’ll make a lot of friends too.” He was finally gently lowered and allowed to stand on his own hindpaws again, shifting a bit to make sure the brace was supporting his weight. 

“Now, I wasn’t sure what type of pizza you may like, but I heard that you like fish as well, so I got one with anchovies and one with tuna chunks. There is a cricket and veggie pizza too, Maris said that one is something Luther liked since it’s all efficient nutrient types.” The Cheetah gets stared at by the Wolf, taken aback at that statement, and now worried about other things his mother has been telling other mammals. “A plain margherita but the other three are all veggies. One of the veggies is a spicy one though, so maybe try a nibble first before actually having a slice. I know Nick and I like the spice. I also got some garlic bread, wedges as well as some cookies, because those are delicious too. They’re in the smaller boxes.” 

The Cheetah gives a smile, then turns to the pack, then explains the semantics of the meet and greet as he goes to open the 15 boxes, spreading them out so they were all in closer proximity to the mammals that wanted them. “I wasn’t sure if you wanted to do the introductions to your friends in your own time, but I figured, this way they get to see him and fall in love instantly, any disappointment gets resolved pretty quick and it’s all done in one, well, two goes. Maris did say to hold off until you finished with the grandparents. Which, fair. It’s a little bit different between parents than it is between friends and everyone did agree for Monday at the earliest. Tuesday is a bit quieter I believe since Nick’s Mom will be visiting that day.” 

That had the pack pause, as Nick blinked. “Huh… Like a speed meet-and-greet.” Clawhauser gives a bright grin and snaps his fingers. “Yup! If they’re still annoyed by the delay, well, that was going to happen ANYWAY, but at least you’ll know now and can recover in between. And I figured, I’ll alternate between friend groups so you don’t get super-whammied with disappointment.” 

Judy and Luther stare for a moment, before Judy confronts the Cheetah. “There’s a group chat about us, isn’t there?” 

Clawhauser gives a gasp of offense. “Wha! Noooo. There is not a group chat about you!” He pauses, then gives a grin and chirps out a “There’s 5!”, completely unapologetic and refusing to elaborate any further.

The pack gives a sigh, but starts to open boxes and display the still steaming round baked things with all sorts of toppings on them. Nekos looks around, having noticed something. “I think you forgot the knives and forks?” 

He was then given 4 simultaneous, conflicting lessons on appropriate pizza eating, as well as told that the other 3 were all wrong while Pawbert gives a chuckle. 

Nekos ended up copying Pawbert, which had several mutters of favouritism from 3 of the mammals and a victorious grin from 1. 

Nekos found that he liked all of the pizzas that he was allowed a nibble from preferring the tuna one and the anchovy. The spicy veggie one made his mouth tingle a bit strangely, but he didn’t dislike it. When asked what he thought about it, he shrugged, saying that ‘he didn’t hate it, but he didn’t love it either. Kinda in between’. 

He also had 2 wedges and a quarter of a cookie, liking them but after having two slices of pizza and a bite of the other 5 slices he was told to try, he was quite full. 

Afterwards, he was curled up on the couch, relaxing against his cousin as he looked at his phone and the new contacts as he nibbled on the piece of garlic bread he was trying to finish, enjoying the garlicky taste. 

He sure had a lot of mammals on it now. And he may have even more tomorrow.

• Auntie Amy
• Auntie Judy
• Auntie Nibbles
• Brim
• Chief Bogo
• Grandma Bonnie
• Grandpa Stu
• Mika
• Miss Elena
• Nana
• Pop
• Uncle Clawhauser
• Uncle Gary
• Uncle Jake
• Uncle Lane
• Uncle Luther
• Uncle Nick
• Uncle Paw

He looks up at the pack chatting with Clawhauser, working out the logistics of the next group of mammals. Nick was asking how he got Bogo to sign off on the extra days off, to which the Cheetah gave a considerable hum, then said “Classified. Sorry Detectives. Your clearance levels aren’t high enough for that information.” Luther glances over, which has the Cheetah grin at him. “Same for you Agent Pawthorne.” He resumed talking about how he had also invited the BAU, but had declined as they were working on a case, completely ignoring the narrowed eyes from the Wolf.

Nekos looks at his phone again as Clawhauser says something about Garcia and O’Brian demanding to visit at some point, and smiles. He hopes the others would be as nice.

He also wonders if he should remove the Uncle And Auntie prefixes he added to everyone’s names. Or add some Last Names?